'A Sound of Thunder' by Ray Bradbury is a short story that delves into the consequences of time travel and the butterfly effect. It is praised for its ability to encapsulate a whole universe within less than 3000 words, showcasing the mastery of the author in storytelling. The narrative highlights the interdependence between elements, emphasizing the notion of cause and effect. Readers are introduced to a thought-provoking exploration of time travelers and the origin of the Butterfly Effect, where a single change in the past can lead to drastic alterations in the future.

Characters:

The characters are morally complex, with succinct development that supports the narrative's themes.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and accessible, employing vivid imagery and foreshadowing while effectively conveying complex themes.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around time travel and the significant consequences of seemingly minor actions, highlighting the theme of the butterfly effect.

Setting:

The setting merges futuristic technology with a prehistoric backdrop, vividly described to immerse the reader.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast, maintaining reader engagement while allowing for deep thematic exploration despite the short length.

Ray Bradbury, author of more than 500 stories, poems, essays, plays, films, television plays, radio, music, and comic books, was born on August 22, 1920, in Waukegan, Illinois. Twice during his childh...

Notes:

A Sound of Thunder is a short story by Ray Bradbury that explores the consequences of time travel.

The story is often credited with popularizing the term 'butterfly effect.'

A small action in the past can lead to dramatic changes in the future, as shown in the plot.

It is frequently included in anthologies and collections of science fiction stories.

The story has a reading level suitable for middle school and high school students.

Many readers felt a strong emotional impact upon first reading it, often needing to reread it multiple times for comprehension.

It serves as an educational tool that enhances comprehension and vocabulary.

Bradbury's storytelling sets a high standard for science fiction, according to many readers' experiences with the story.

A Sound of Thunder is praised for its vivid imagery, foreshadowing, and worldbuilding.

The story is considered a classic of the time travel genre and has inspired similar narratives.

The story has sparked discussions about morality and the ripple effects of one's actions throughout time.

From The Publisher:

In "A Sound of Thunder", Time Safari, Inc. offers the greatest hunting trips ever-any year, any animal. But they don't you'll come back, or what you'll find if you do. And in "Night Call, Collect", who is harassing Emil Barton, the last man in the universe? After decades of waiting on Mars, these twisted phone calls could kill him! Winner of a Peabody Award.

Ratings (6)

Loved It (3)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (13):

Read It (7)
Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (4)

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About the Author:

In a career spanning more than seventy years, Ray Bradbury inspired generations of readers to dream, think, and create. A prolific author of hundreds of short stories and close to fifty books, as well as numerous poems, essays, operas, plays, and screenplays, Bradbury was one of the most celebrated writers of our time.

His groundbreaking works include Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles, The Illustrated Man, Dandelion Wine, and Something Wicked This Way Comes. An Emmy Award winner for his teleplay The Halloween Tree and an Academy Award nominee, he was the recipient of the 2000 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, the 2004 National Medal of Arts, and the 2007 Pulitzer Prize Special Citation, among many honors.

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A Sound of Thunder

Ray Bradbury